Piglet rearing

Pigs are intelligent, inquisitive, & social animals. If you are thinking of getting a piglet as a pet, there are several things you should consider first.

Feeding

Piglets need colostrum for the first 24hrs before going onto milk. Ideally, piglets should be fed a sow’s milk replacer. If sow’s milk is unavailable, goats milk is the next closest thing. Cows milk can be hard on a piglet’s tummy. Purchase a commercial milk replacer from the clinic and mix to the “piglet guidelines” and you’ll be good to go. Newborns drink almost hourly from the sow, so expect very frequent feedings! Avoid excess volumes per feed, piglets are at high risk of gut disease from overfeeding.

A creep (grower) feed e.g. NRM Little Pig pellets should be introduced early so it is eating this well by weaning at about 8 weeks.

Do not feed anything you wouldn’t eat including uncooked meat.

Housing Requirements

Use a heat lamp or pad if very young (orphan). The ideal temp is 30-35°c for the first week, dropping to 22-28°c going forward.

Ensure the floor is dry and free of draughts. If the piglet is outside it will need shelter (a house) and in the summer water to keep cool/wallow in.

Fencing needs to be secure or use an electric fence 15-30cm off the ground.

Vaccination and Drenching

Vaccinate at 6 weeks (or weaning) and repeat in 4 weeks.

Drench with Flubenol at 3 months old.

If you have any concerns about your piglet's health, please don’t hesitate to contact your local Franklin Vets Clinic. We are happy to give advice over the phone on whether the animal requires treatment.

Download our Piglet Rearing Guide